Where is the Copper World project?
Copper World is located approximately 28 miles southeast of Tucson, Arizona in the northern Santa Rita Mountains. The project is located in the historic Helvetia mining district, one of Arizona’s largest and most important mining camps around the turn of the twentieth century.
How will the project be developed in phases?
The Copper World Project will be developed in two phases beginning with operations on approximately 4,500 acres of private land owned by Hudbay. Phase I is a standalone operation requiring only state and local permits for a 20-year mine life and will cost a total of $1.7 billion for mine development and infrastructure construction. This phase is expected to create more than 400 direct jobs and up to 3,000 indirect jobs in Arizona. Future opportunities in Phase II will extend the mine life, fostering multi-generational job opportunities and enhancing long-term economic benefits in the region.
How much water will be needed to operate the mine?
Hudbay understands the importance of managing Arizona’s precious water resources. That is why we have taken the time to create a smart and responsible plan to manage water use at Copper World.
Our goal for Copper World is to recharge and recycle as much water as we use in production. We will do this by purchasing water from the Central Arizona Project (CAP) and allowing it to soak into shallow groundwater aquifers from recharge ponds. Hudbay has already stored enough water for 8 years of operations and will continue these recharge efforts going forward. In the future, recharge in the Green Valley and Sahuarita area will be accomplished through Project Renews, our joint venture with the Community Water Company of Green Valley.
Copper World has a permit from the Arizona Department of Water Resources to pump up to 6,000 acre feet of water from the aquifer each year.
Are Arizona’s environmental regulations for mining as robust as the Federal agencies?
The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ), responsible for reviewing and issuing the air and water quality permits for Phase I of Copper World, has a long history and strong track record of reviewing mine permit applications in Arizona. All federal standards for air and water quality apply to permits issued by ADEQ. In addition, Arizona has programs based on state law that are specific to Arizona.
As part of the review process, the public actively participated in review and comment on the environmental analysis conducted. ADEQ considered all feedback, exhaustively addressed questions and comments, and subsequently approved both the Air Quality Permit and the Aquifer Protection Permit. In both instances, ADEQ added monitoring and compliance requests to the permits based upon public comment.
How will Hudbay produce
copper on-site?
The mineralization at Copper World will allow for the production of finished copper at its facilities, which is expected to begin in year 5 of operations. Copper World will add a concentrate leach facility, and a solvent extraction and electrowinning (SX/EW) plant to produce finished copper cathode on-site.
Once in operation, Copper World is expected to be the third largest domestic copper cathode producer in the United States. Phase I currently has proven and probable mineral reserves of 385 million metric tons at 0.54% copper.
“Made in America” copper cathode produced at Copper World is expected to be sold for U.S. consumption, supporting the products and technologies that power our modern energy- dependent, connected lives.
What measures are in place to ensure Hudbay pays for reclamation?
A Mined Land Reclamation Plan (MLRP) is a plan for mine reclamation after operations cease and must be approved by the Arizona State Mine Inspector. An initial MLRP for Copper World was approved in October 2021 and Hudbay has provided bonding to cover the costs of the reclamation before ground disturbance can begin. This is legally required in Arizona and an example of how responsible mining is conducted.
Submitting our site layout, reclamation approach, and estimated reclamation costs to the state for bonding was one of the first steps taken to advance the Copper World Project. The MLRP will be updated as we continue to advance the project.
What is Hudbay's plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the project?
Producing copper cathode on-site reduces the operation’s total energy requirements, and greenhouse gas (“GHG”) and sulfur (SO2) emissions by eliminating overseas shipping, smelting and refining activities associated with a typical copper concentrate operation. It is estimated that Copper World will reduce total energy consumption by more than 10% when compared to a project that produces copper concentrates for overseas smelting, and refining.
There are several other emission reduction potential opportunities that Hudbay is considering, including to source renewable energy from local providers, the use of autonomous or electric haul trucks at the operation, and various post-reclamation land uses such as domestic renewable energy production.
​
And, of course, copper is crucial to the electrification of America. Without responsibly produced Hudbay copper, this goal for decarbonization would be more distant.
How many jobs will the Copper World project create?
Copper World represents an impactful economic opportunity for Arizona, offering not only immediate job creation but also a sustainable pathway for multi-generational employment. Copper World is expected to create more than 400 direct jobs and up to 3,000 indirect jobs in Arizona. In today’s dollars, Copper World will offer wages averaging over $90,000 per year plus benefits, compared to an average of $53,444 in the State of Arizona.
As part of our local-first approach, we prioritize hiring from the communities near our operations to foster strong partnerships and contribute directly to the prosperity of the regions we serve. Explore exciting career opportunities with us and be part of a project that’s powering the future.
Will Hudbay be required to pay taxes?
Hudbay will invest more than $1.7 billion to construct Phase I of Copper World, plus a planned expansion of the processing facility to produce copper cathode. Over the anticipated 20-year life of Phase I, Hudbay expects to contribute more than $850 million in U.S. taxes, including approximately $170 million in taxes to the state of Arizona and $250 million in property taxes.
Does Hudbay have the private land it needs to build the project?
Yes, Hudbay has a private land position of over 4,500 acres to develop Phase I of Copper World.
What permits has the project received?
Hubday began the permitting process in 2021 with the submission of our Mined Land Reclamation Plan (MLRP), which was approved by the State Mine Inspector in October of 2021. The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) approved the Aquifer Protection Permit in August 2024 and the Air Quality Permit in January 2025, both required for operations.